Lagos Spinach, celosia of Amaranth

Members of the Amaranth family, high protein content and the flower and seeds produce dense spikes. It is heavily cultivated as a source of spinach in Indonesia and other parts of Africa today, especially in Nigeria, Benin and Zaire.
Quail grass is a warm weather spinach substitute. the leaves and, young stems and flower spikes are eaten
Efo Shoko (sometimes called Lagos Spinach or Nigerian Spinach) is a type of Celosia eaten in soups, stews, and side dishes in parts of Nigeria, Benin, Congo, and Cameroon, as well as in Indonesia and India. Shoko leaves can be all green or more colorful, like this particular strain, and are harvested along with the young stems and flower spikes. A member of the Amaranth family, it is believed to be native to Africa and is easy to grow in climates with suitable soil moisture, attracting few pests or diseases and thriving in heat, unlike many other common greens. Our seeds come from a local farmer friend who grows Shoko for a Liberian customer.

Days to maturity: 30-60

Seeds per pack: 275

Germination rate: 91% on 01/29/2021

PLANTING / HARVESTING NOTES
Expect germination between 8-14 days, and fast growth after that. , celosia reseeds itself, so I normally thin plants to about 2' space in each direction. Harvest cut flowers as they mature, and allow side branches to bloom for continual harvest until frost.